Strauss suspended

Cheetahs’ centre Andries Strauss has been handed a two week suspension by SANZAR after pleading guilty of making a dangerous hit during his side’s match with the Lions.

Those looking to buy cheap tickets online for South Africa games will note how Strauss (27) tackled the Lions second-row Wikus van Heerden and was given a yellow card by referee Mark Lawrence.

He was also handed a white card by referee Lawrence, opening up the possibility of further disciplinary action.

Because of this, Strauss’ case was brought before a SANZAR disciplinary panel, with the decision being made to punish him with a suspension.

Mike Heron, the panel’s judicial officer, said that he would begin his suspension immediately and would miss two of his side’s Super Rugby matches.

He said: “I considered the citing commissioners report, the report from the referee and the match footage.

“I received an informal medical report by text message, which suggested that the injured player [van Heerden] was unconscious on the field for a few minutes and sustained a concussion.”

Despite being knocked unconscious as a result of the tackle, van Heerden did not sustain any lasting injuries.

Heron added: “A CT scan at the hospital did not show fractures or bleeding inside the head. The injured player was discharged from hospital with residual neurological symptoms assumed to be from bruising.”

Following the game, Strauss made his intentions to plead guilty known, with Heron admitting his decision to do so was considered by the panel.

“I communicated with the player’s manager and held a conference call with the player’s representative (Mr Stephan Weyers),” Heron said.

“He confirmed the player wished to plead guilty to the citing and wanted to raise mitigating matters. He confirmed that the player had no previous disciplinary matters and that the player was very remorseful.”

The ban means that Strauss will now miss next weekend’s game with the Bulls, as well as being ruled out of their trip to play the Brumbies.

Strauss signed for the Cheetahs back in 2010, following the departure of previous centre, Meyer Bosman who went on to join the Sharks.

That year, he also received his first call up to the South Africa national team for their trip to England to play the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Meanwhile, South Africa Rugby will continue in their plea to SANZAR to increase the Super Rugby from 15 to 16 teams next season, by sending a powerful delegation to New Zealand and Australia next month.

Their plans to expand come as they are looking for the best way to include their newest franchise, the Southern Kings, in the league.

Critics have suggested that such a move will be a fruitless move, with SANZAR eager to keep things as they currently are for the time being.